On July 6, 1998, Cincinnati native Roy Rogers - the popular entertainer known as the "King of the Cowboys" - died at age 86.

Born Leonard Franklin Slye in 1911, Rogers grew up poor. He dreamed of becoming a dentist or a doctor. But to help support his family, he quit high school and got a job in a U.S. Shoe factory.

Around 1930, Rogers moved to California, where he drove a dump truck and picked peaches for a living. He also began singing with various country-western groups. Eventually, he formed a band called Sons of the Pioneers. The group became popular on the radio, singing "Tumbling Tumbleweeds" and "Cool Water."

He left the group to appear in movies. In 1938, he signed a $75-a-week contract and became known as a singing cowboy. That year he had his first starring role in Under Western Stars. Between 1943 and 1954, Rogers was the No. 1 cowboy film star based on box-office receipts. For several years, he ranked among the top 10 of all stars.

Rebecca Goodman

E-mail rgoodman@enquirer.com or call (513) 768-8361.